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The Canadian Dermatology Association Launches New Campaign to Warn Against the Dangers of Indoor Tanning
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Ottawa, February 2, 2010 - The Canadian Dermatology Association's new "Indoor Tanning is Out" campaign launches on Feb. 2, targeting young women with the message that indoor tanning is not as safe as they think.
"Through its Sun Awareness program, CDA has been committed to reducing incidence and mortality from skin cancer for more than 22 years. The PSA campaign, also on YouTube, is one way we can reach young women with this important health message," said CDA president Yves Poulin. "Since one Canadian dies of skin cancer about every seven hours, it is imperative that young people avoid deliberately seeking a tan."
Indoor tanning before the age of 30 has been associated with a significant increase in the risk of melanoma, and recently sunbeds (UV tanning beds) were moved up to the highest cancer risk category - group 1 - 'carcinogenic to humans' by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer.
"Research shows 70 percent of indoor tanners are female, primarily 16 to 29 years old. Indoor tanning at this age increases the risk of developing skin cancer. It is very important for women to be aware of the risks of artificial tanning," said Cheryl Rosen, dermatologist and national director of CDA's Sun Awareness Program.
Indoor Tanning is Out Campaign
The campaign features posters as well as television and radio announcements with the theme, "Indoor Tanning is Out."
The posters feature actual melanoma survivors who are urging their peers to learn the facts about indoor tanning. In each case, the women thought tanning made them look beautiful but they had no idea that in a few short years they would be battling melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Now Jackie, 36, of St. John's, NF; Marie-Pier, 23, of Montmagny, QC; Bianca, 25, of Brampton, ON; Hope, 23, of Nanaimo, BC and Aimee, 28, from London, ON are speaking out about their experiences.
The television and radio PSA features a variety of young women, from teenagers to young professionals, who talk about the dangers of indoor tanning in a peer-to-peer style. The PSAs will be aired across Canada from February until June, including March Break and pre-Prom, when many young people seek a tan using indoor tanning equipment.
The posters and the PSAs direct viewers to the CDA web site for more information about the survivors' stories and skin cancer prevention.
To continue being proactive in lobbying for a ban on artificial tanning for those 18 and under, a template to petition governments to enact legislation banning indoor tanning will be available on the CDA website.
For more information about the campaign or to view the PSAs and posters, visit www.dermatology.ca/indoortanning.
For More Information Contact :
Kristina Murray
Tel: (613) 738-1748
1-800-267-3376 Ext. 222
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